Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Don't know your rights? We can ensure that you are protected.

Whether you are being stopped and questioned by the police or if you have been arrested on suspicion of criminal activity, you have legal rights; however, the average citizen has no idea what those rights are. Tragically, it's this very lack of knowledge on behalf of the criminally accused that can lead to self-incrimination, a false confession, a wrongful conviction and a miscarriage of justice. It's important to understand that whenever you are the target of a criminal investigation, under arrest or facing formal charges, what you do here and now can ultimately affect the success of your case. Keep in mind that you have the right to ask why you are being arrested. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you also have the right to see it.

Once you are arrested, the police are required by law to read you your Miranda Rights. These rights advise you of your right to remain silent and your right to a criminal defense attorney. You are also told that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You do not have to say anything, or answer any questions without an attorney present, and it's absolutely critical that you exercise this right. The police can only hold you for a short period of time without formal charges being filed against you. If they aren't charging you with anything (yet), then they will need to release you, and if you have been charged with a crime, you have a right to bail or bond unless you are being charged with murder.

Protecting Yourself After an Arrest – The Police are Not on Your Side

The hours immediately following an arrest can have a huge impact on the course of your investigation and your case. Because the average person is not trained in standard legal procedures, they can easily say the wrong thing, say too much or make the costly mistake of admitting guilt after spending long hours in interrogation. In fact, innocent people often admit guilt after spending hours upon hours in interrogations, only to sign a false confession and seal their fate forever.

Unfortunately, many of these common mistakes could have been entirely avoided if the suspect had exercised their right to legal counsel at the very beginning, just after their arrest. You don't have to say anything without a Fort Wayne criminal defense lawyer present, and you are protected from self-incrimination; however, it takes a knowledgeable attorney to uphold these rights against the harsh criminal justice system.

Speak with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Wayne, IN Today

As a Fort Wayne criminal defense attorney, I have dedicated my legal career to defending the criminally accused. Unlike other law firms who focus on other practice areas but only "dabble" in criminal law, my practice is entirely dedicated to the field of criminal defense. When you've been arrested for a crime in Indiana, everything you say and do is under close scrutiny. You want an attorney who is 100% committed to the field of criminal defense, and one that is intimately familiar with both police procedure and courtroom procedures.

In fact, I am so dedicated to the field of criminal defense that I am currently serving part-time as a public defender for juvenile delinquency and mental health cases for the Allen County Public Defender's Office. I also formerly served as a part-time public defender for the Allen County Misdemeanor Court. I have an in-depth understanding of Indiana State laws, criminal procedures and courtroom proceedings. Let me put my years of experience to work for you so I can defend you against the harsh criminal justice system.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you get in touch with a Fort Wayne criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call my office today to schedule a free initial consultation: (260) 833-7249.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.